When a Tenant Leaves Trash Behind

What to Do When a Tenant Leaves Trash Behind: A Guide for Ontario Landlords

As a landlord in Ontario, dealing with a tenant who leaves trash and unwanted items behind can be frustrating and time-consuming. While tenants have certain responsibilities when vacating a rental property, it’s crucial to understand your rights as a landlord and the proper steps to take when faced with this situation. In this blog post, we’ll cover the responsibilities of tenants, your rights as a landlord, and why hiring a professional junk removal company like Bad Tenant Cleanouts can be a smart solution to quickly restore your property.

Tenant Responsibilities

In Ontario, tenants are responsible for leaving the rental property in a clean and undamaged condition when they move out. This is generally part of their legal obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). Before vacating, tenants are expected to:

• Remove all personal belongings: Tenants should take all their possessions with them, including furniture, appliances, and personal items.
• Dispose of garbage: All household waste, junk, and unwanted items must be properly disposed of.
• Leave the property clean: This includes sweeping, mopping, and ensuring the property is in good condition for the next occupant.

If tenants fail to meet these responsibilities, landlords may be left dealing with the mess.

Landlord Rights in Ontario

When a tenant leaves behind trash, junk, or unwanted items, landlords in Ontario have certain rights to address the situation. However, these rights must be exercised carefully to avoid legal complications. Here’s what you need to know:

• Inspecting the Property: As a landlord, you have the right to inspect the rental unit once the tenant has vacated. This will allow you to assess any damage, leftover belongings, or garbage.
• Handling Abandoned Items: If tenants leave personal property behind, you must follow specific guidelines before disposing of them. Under the Residential Tenancies Act, landlords are required to store abandoned items for a minimum of 30 days, during which time the tenant can claim them. However, if the items are considered garbage or of little value, such as broken furniture or old food, they can be disposed of immediately.
• Security Deposit Deductions: If a tenant leaves behind a mess that requires professional cleaning or junk removal, you may be able to deduct the cost from their security deposit, provided it is allowed in the rental agreement. Keep detailed records, including receipts and photos, to support any deductions.
• Small Claims Court: If the security deposit doesn’t cover the full cost of removal and cleanup, landlords may pursue the remaining amount through Small Claims Court.

Hiring a Junk Removal Company

Dealing with the aftermath of a bad tenant who leaves behind trash, junk, and unwanted items can be overwhelming. In such situations, hiring a professional junk removal company can save you time, money, and stress. Bad Tenant Cleanouts offers specialized services for landlords facing these challenges. Here’s why hiring a junk removal company is a smart choice:

1. Fast Turnaround: Professional junk removal services can quickly remove trash, furniture, appliances, and any other unwanted items left behind, helping you prepare the property for new tenants sooner.
2. Proper Disposal: Junk removal companies are experienced in handling waste in an environmentally responsible manner. They know how to dispose of garbage, hazardous materials, and recyclables according to Ontario regulations.
3. Cost-Effective: Instead of spending days or even weeks cleaning and hauling away trash yourself, a junk removal company can efficiently handle the entire process, often in a single visit. The cost of their services may be tax-deductible as a business expense, depending on your situation.
4. Stress-Free: Dealing with trash left behind by tenants is stressful, but a professional service like Bad Tenant Cleanouts takes the burden off your shoulders. You won’t have to worry about lifting heavy items or making multiple trips to the landfill.

Steps to Take When a Tenant Leaves Trash Behind

If you find yourself dealing with a tenant who has left behind trash, follow these steps to resolve the situation quickly and efficiently:

1. Document the Condition: Take photos or videos of the property as soon as you enter. This will provide evidence of the mess and can be useful if you need to make deductions from the tenant’s security deposit or take legal action.
2. Review the Lease Agreement: Check the lease agreement to confirm the tenant’s responsibilities regarding cleaning and junk removal. This will give you a clearer understanding of what actions you are entitled to take.
3. Contact the Tenant: If possible, reach out to the tenant to notify them of the leftover junk. If they left valuable items, inform them that they have 30 days to claim their belongings under the RTA.
4. Hire a Junk Removal Company: Once you’ve documented the condition and confirmed that the tenant is not returning for their items, contact a professional junk removal service like Bad Tenant Cleanouts to handle the disposal.
5. Deduct Costs from the Security Deposit: After the junk has been removed, calculate the total cost of the cleanup and deduct it from the tenant’s security deposit, if applicable. Be sure to keep all receipts and a clear record of the expenses.
6. Prepare the Property for New Tenants: After the junk is removed, you may need to do additional cleaning or repairs to ensure the property is move-in ready. Once complete, you can list the property for new tenants.

Avoiding Future Problems

Dealing with a tenant who leaves trash behind can be a hassle, but there are ways to minimize the chances of this happening again in the future. Here are a few tips to help:

• Clear Communication: Make sure your lease agreement clearly outlines the tenant’s responsibilities when moving out, including cleaning and junk removal. Regularly remind tenants of these obligations as their lease comes to an end.
• Regular Inspections: Conduct routine property inspections during the tenancy to ensure the tenant is maintaining the property in good condition. This can help prevent larger issues down the road.
• Pre-Move-Out Inspection: Before the tenant’s final move-out, schedule an inspection to review the condition of the property. This gives the tenant a chance to correct any issues before they leave, including removing junk or trash.

When Tenants Leave Trash Behind

When tenants leave trash behind, it’s important to understand your rights as a landlord and the steps you can take to resolve the situation quickly. With proper documentation, knowledge of the law, and the help of a professional junk removal service like Bad Tenant Cleanouts, you can efficiently clean up your property and get it ready for new tenants. By providing clear expectations in the lease agreement and staying proactive with inspections, you can also reduce the chances of dealing with this issue in the future.

For fast, reliable junk removal services in Ontario, contact Bad Tenant Cleanouts today and let us handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on your next tenant.